Matthew 12:20

| Matt 12 |

20 a bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not quench,
until he brings justice to victory;

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Matt. 11:1–12:50 Opposition to the Messiah Emerges. Resistance to Jesus' ministry has appeared occasionally (e.g., 9:3–4) but now begins to build significantly, occasioned first by the innocuous questions of John the Baptist (11:2–19), then through the overt hostility of the Jewish religious leaders (12:1–45).

Matt. 12:1–45 Confrontations with the Pharisees. The Pharisees accuse Jesus of violating the Sabbath (vv. 1–14), suggest he is in league with Satan (vv. 22–37), and demand a cosmic sign (vv. 38–42). Jesus vindicates himself as lord of the Sabbath (v. 8), divine servant of justice (v. 18), and the Spirit-empowered inaugurator of the kingdom of God (v. 28). Judgment will come upon the hard-hearted blasphemers (vv. 30–45), but those who follow Jesus are his true family (see vv. 46–50).

Matt. 12:18–20 my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved. The Father expresses the same delight in his Son at Jesus' baptism (3:17) and at his transfiguration (17:5). he will proclaim justice. The servant brings the good news of the arrival of the kingdom but also pronounces judgment on the rulers of this world who reject him. will not quarrel or cry aloud. He did not come the first time as a conquering warrior. bruised reed . . . smoldering wick. Jesus the servant compassionately cares for those who have been abused (cf. 9:36; 11:28).